Workshops for Unions 

The following are examples of workshops conducted by Joseph Swerdzewski & Associates (JSA) for federal sector unions. Any of these workshops can be customized to fit the needs of a particular group or a new workshop can be developed. The cost for a workshop is dependent on the length of the course, the number of participants, travel expenses and any special expense associated with a customized course. The workshops are presented in four series: The New Labor Relations System; Compliance Based Labor Relations, Planning and Leadership and Joint Programs for Labor and Management. For more information about the workshops call Joseph Swerdzewski @ 256-503-2226 or e-mail at jswerdzewski@jsafed.com.

Executive Order Series

Workshop #1 Communication, Trust, and Collaboration - How to Successfully Comply with the New Executive Order on Labor Management Forums

The purpose of this workshop is to give management and labor union officials an understanding of how to successfully comply with the Obama Administration's Federal Labor Management Relations Executive Order requirements for Labor Management Forums. It covers developing an effective Labor Management Forum which includes the preparation of a Forum Charter and rules and processes for conducting meetings. The workshop presents ways to build trust and effective communication in a labor management environment. It provides insight into effective Pre-Decisional Involvement and practical approaches to using it successfully to comply with the Executive Order and the needs of labor and management. The participants are also introduced to ways of developing an effective strategy for labor relations. The workshop includes problem solving skills development which will be essential for both successful Forum meetings and Pre-Decisional Involvement. It will familiarize both parties with the scope and intent of the new Executive Order and provide them with relevant strategies and practical steps to improve satisfaction of employees and managers, improve the relationship between labor and management and increase productivity at the agency.

Workshop length - 1-2 days

Maximum number of participants - 30

Intended participants - Managers, Supervisors and Union Representatives

Presentation method - lecture and interactive exercises

New Labor Relations Systems Series

Workshop # 1 NLR . Understanding the National Security Personnel System

The objective of the workshop is to provide an overview of the National Security Personnel System specifically for union representatives. It provides an understanding of DOD Implementing Issuances on such issues as Classification, Performance Management, Pay and Pay Administration, Staffing (merit promotion), Workforce Shaping (RIF), and Adverse Actions and Appeals. Particular attention will be paid to how the Implementing Issuances differ from current regulations and practices in the federal government and how they will affect bargaining unit employees.

Workshop length – 1 day as an overview of the Issuances

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – employees and union representatives

Presentation method – lecture and interactive exercises.

Workshop # 2 NLR Collective Bargaining over NSPS Issuances

The objective of the workshop is to develop approaches to collective bargaining over the implementation of NSPS Implementing Issuances on Classification, Performance Management, Pay and Pay Administration, Staffing (Merit Promotion), Workforce Shaping (RIF) and Adverse Actions and Appeals using the current rules for bargaining under the Federal Services Labor Management Relations Statute. It will explain what is potentially able to be bargained under the Statute and how to frame proposals for successful negotiations.

Workshop length – 2 days

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives

Presentation method – lecture and interactive exercises.

Workshop #3 NLR . The Future of Federal Labor Relations – A Seminar for Experienced Union Representatives

Workshop length – 1 or 2 days depending on the nature of the training desired

Maximum number of participants – 12

Intended participants – experienced union representatives in leadership positions

Presentation method – facilitated learning with significant group interaction.

Compliance Based Labor Relations Series

Workshop # 1 CBR . A One Day Workshop on Federal Sector Labor Relations for Union Representatives

The purpose of this workshop is to give representatives a general orientation to the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute. It will be a top to bottom review of the Statute to give them a good understanding of their role as union representatives and the rights of management, union and employees under the Statute. It will familiarize them with all relevant labor relations terms and principles necessary to act as a union representative. The workshop will cover such issues as bargaining unit status, collective bargaining over changes in working conditions, representing employees at meetings called by management and what can and cannot be said to a union representative. It will prepare them to effectively represent the bargaining unit.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives with two years or less experience

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 2 CBR . How Unions Can Succeed in Federal Sector Collective Bargaining

The purpose of this workshop is to provide union representatives hands on skills on how to bargain in the federal sector. It will explain management rights and the exceptions to management rights provided under the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute. It will explain how bargaining over procedures and appropriate arrangements can act to expand the scope of bargaining beyond the traditional “I and I” bargaining practiced by many unions and management. The participants will engage in bargaining exercises aimed at increasing their understanding and skills in bargaining over changes in working conditions. The issues covered include as examples what information is necessary to be successful in bargaining and how to get it, how to prepare for bargaining, how to make appropriate arrangements proposals and when to file a negotiability appeal or when to go to arbitration over a negotiability dispute.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives subject to the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute
Presentation method – lecture and practical exercises

Workshop # 3 CBR . Employee Meetings with Management

The purpose of this workshop is to provide an understanding of the union’s right to be present at various types of meetings management conducts with employees and the role of the union at these meetings. It will also explain what a union representative can and can not do as a representative at these meetings. Management conducts various types of meetings with bargaining unit employees which require union representation. Through a series of exercises union representatives will learn how to effectively represent the union at these meetings. The issues covered by this workshop include as examples: formal discussions, Weingarten meetings, bypasses, EEO formal investigations and MSPB actions.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 4 CBR . Advanced Statutory Training for Experienced Union Representatives

The purpose of this workshop is to provide experienced union representatives with an advanced level of understanding of the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute. It provides an in depth analysis of the Statute and how to more effectively use its processes. It is aimed at giving union representatives new strategies and approaches to use in dealing with complex labor relations problems. The subjects covered include as examples exceptions to arbitrations awards, negotiability of proposals, important representation case principles and unfair labor practice issues.

Workshop Length – 1 or 2 days

Maximum number of participants – 20

Intended participants – experienced union representatives

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 5 CBR . How to Present a Case at Arbitration

The purpose of this workshop is to give union representatives an understanding of how to present a case at arbitration. The course is heavily oriented towards gaining hands on experience in presenting a case before an arbitrator. The participants will learn how to prepare a case for arbitration, develop their theory of the case, and present an opening statement, how to do direct and cross examinations, how to object to questions, how to make motions to the arbitrator and what goes in a post hearing brief. By the end of the program a participant will have a good understanding of what happens in arbitration and how to present a case. The participants will through the course of the workshop prepare a mock case for arbitration.

Workshop Length – 2 days

Maximum number of participants – 14

Intended participants – union representatives who have had experience using the negotiated grievance procedure

Presentation method – use of a mock arbitration case will be used

Workshop # 6 CBR . Equal Employment Practice and Procedure

The purpose of this workshop is to give union representatives an overview of EEO procedures including a discussion of relevant case law as applicable. Part 1614 of the Code of Federal Regulations will be used to discuss the EEO process with a special emphasis on the Pre-complaint and the Formal Complaint stages. Theories of discrimination will be explained including intentional discrimination, adverse impact, harassment and failure to make a reasonable accommodation. Emphasis will be placed on practical advice to help union representatives in assisting union members.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives with two years or less experience

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 7 CBR . Union Rights in the A-76 Process

The purpose of the workshop is to provide an understanding of the A-76 process and the union’s role in representing employees subject to an A-76 study. There is considerable misunderstanding of the process and how it works. The participants will learn how A-76 works, the basic terminology of the process and the rights of the union when an A-76 study is undertaken. Emphasis will be placed on bargaining over issues affecting employees who lose there jobs through an A-76 study and those whose jobs are greatly changed as a result of the study.

Workshop Length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives at all levels

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 8 CBR The Labor Relations Game Show

Using a game show format participants learn about the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute. Working together as teams and then also individually participants vie for prizes as they answer questions about federal sector labor relations. Using a TV game show approach participants will be given the opportunity to learn about how labor relations works in the federal sector and what their rights and obligations are under the Statute. It is a fun approach to learning aimed at using games as a learning format. Prizes will be of nominal value but of interest to the participants. This program works effectively with a half day program on Leadership in Labor Relations for Union Representatives.

Workshop length – 4 hours

Maximum number of participants – 50

Intended participants - employees and union representatives

Presentation method – game show format with facilitation by presenter.

Workshop # 9 CBR The Unfair Labor Practice Process – How To Successfully Use It

The objective of this workshop is providing participants with an understanding of the unfair labor practice process and law under the Federal Labor Management Relations Statute. What is an unfair labor practice and how to successfully file an unfair labor practice with the FLRA will be a major part of this presentation. Using examples and interactive exercises attendees will learn how the FLRA investigates and decides unfair labor practice charges.

Workshop Length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives at all levels

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Leadership and Planning Series

Workshop # 1 LP . Union Organization Strategic Planning Seminar

The purpose of this seminar is, through a facilitated session with the leadership of a local, council or other organizational unit of the union, to develop a strategic plan for the success of the union. Using processes similar to those used in corporate strategic planning, the union develops a vision and plan for where it wants to be and how it is going to get there. The participants are guided through a planning session aimed at a final product which is a strategic plan with specific actions and goals for the present and the future. The emphasis is on understanding the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is from this understanding that an approach for the operation of the organization will be developed. At a time when federal unions are under significant challenges a strategic approach to the future is extremely important.

Workshop length – 1 1/2 to 2 days

Maximum number of participants – 20

Intended participants – individuals in a leadership position in the organization

Presentation method – facilitated learning with total participation by attendees

Workshop # 2 LP . Results Based Leadership for Union Leaders

The purpose of this seminar is to develop union representatives to be effective leaders using a results based leadership approach. The participants will be taught how to connect their leadership attributes with outcomes which are crucial to their organization. Results based leadership requires leaders to focus on what is important for the success of their union. It forces union leaders to think in terms of what they need to achieve. This workshop provides an approach to determine what is important and what the union leader needs to do to get the best outcomes for the bargaining unit.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 3 LP . Leadership in Labor Relations for Union Representatives

The purpose of this one day workshop is to provide leaders and potential leaders an opportunity to increase and develop their leadership skills. The presentation will cover such issues as: understanding the nature of labor relations, what union leaders need to know about management, the role of managers in labor relations, leadership skills necessary for effective leadership, how to remove barriers to successful labor relations and the outcomes that measure effective labor relations leadership.

Emphasis will be placed on the individual development of leadership communication and approaches to

successful leadership in a union organization based on voluntary participation of the membership and representatives. New approaches to effective communication will be developed through a series of communication exercises. Each participant will come away from the training having learned a new approach to being an effective leader.

Joint Programs for Labor and Management

Workshop # 1 JP Joint Labor Relations Training

The purpose of this workshop is to give labor and management a general orientation to the Federal Service Labor Management Relations Statute. It will be a top to bottom review of the Statute to give them a good understanding of their role as union representatives and managers and the rights of management, union and employees under the Statute. It will familiarize the participants with all relevant labor relations terms and principles necessary to the conduct of an effective labor management relationship. The workshop will cover such issues as bargaining unit status, collective bargaining over changes in working conditions, meetings called by management, and what can and cannot be said to a union representative. It will contain a number of interactive exercises which will require union working together to solve labor management problems.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 30

Intended participants – union representatives, employee, supervisors and managers.

Presentation method – lecture and exercises

Workshop # 2 JP Relationship Building Workshop.

The workshop will explore the current state of the labor management relationship and barriers to improvement. Facilitated discussion of issues and practical exercises will be used to develop better communication and understanding between the parties. If appropriate and requested by the participants the facilitator may choose one particular issue in dispute and assist the participants in a problem solving approach to resolve the dispute. The product of the session can be a draft plan of action or joint resolution of intent for further improving and strengthening the relationship between management and the union.

Workshop length – 1 day

Maximum number of participants – 20

Intended participants – union representatives, supervisors and managers.

Presentation method – facilitated discussion and joint exercises.

Workshop # 3 JP The Labor Relations Game Show

Using a game show format participants learn about federal labor relations. Working together as teams and also individually participants vie for prizes as they answer questions about federal sector labor relations. Participants will learn about how labor relations works in the federal sector and what their rights and obligations are under law. It is a fun approach to learning aimed at using games as a learning format. Prizes will be of nominal value but of interest to the participants. This program works effectively with a half day program on relationship building.

Workshop length – 8 hours

Maximum number of participants – 50

Intended participants – employees, union representatives, supervisors and manager